Saving a '52 Ford 8n

TJ in KY

Member
I recently picked up a 1952 Ford 8n sidemount, not running but not stuck, very good sheetmetal and good rear tires. I bought it at an estate auction, I don’t know how long it has been sitting. My plan is to pull plugs, put in ATF and let it soak for a few days, change the oil and prime the oil pump. It has been converted to 12 volt with a 3 wire alternator but the wiring is a mess. I plan to set a 6 volt battery in it and spin it to get a compression check. I know the carb needs rebuilt and new points and condenser and plug wires.
When I get it running I plan to check out the hydraulics to see if they need any work, if they work, no leaks from piston or turbulence at pump relief valve I will then drop the fluid and clean out thru side plates.
Would you change the hydraulic fluid before starting it up? Any other tips would be appreciated this is my first attempt to raise one from the “dead” and first time messing with one that has been converted to 12 volt.
 
?? Would you change the hydraulic fluid before starting it up?
Qnswer, I would crack the drain plugs to let the water out if any. Water should be on the bottom.
 
Another question, you say its been converted to 12V with an alternator So why install a 6 v battery? to me that's asking for trouble.
GB in MN
 
Sounds like a good way to boil a battery
and make a mess, if it's 12 volt with an
alternator put a 12 volt battery in it
or the alternator is going to be working
hard to bring that 6 volts up to 13.8
and the results won't be pretty. Also
the coil will likely have very weak
spark if it's 12v or has a ballast
resistor added. Not to mention they
start much easier on 12 volts
 
I guess I should have said the wiring is so bad that I was just going to disconnect the alternator and use the 6 volt battery to turn the starter to get the compression test done.
Once that is done I planned to run a hot wire to the coil to see if it runs. (after tune up) I also have a spare carb iI could try on it also. I had not thought about it being a 12 volt
coil. I don't have a 12 volt battery sitting around but I do have a good 6 volt coil I could use. I am just trying to get an idea of what kind of shape it is in before I put a lot of
money in it. In the long run I would like to put it back to 6 volt. I have not had a problem with starting with 6 volt systems. My plan is to get it running good and maybe let my
daughter use it at her place until she decides what she wants. She has about 9 acres.
I will see if I get any water out of the drain plugs before starting it, I have had it about 2 weeks.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top